In preparing for getting my cliffs/hills/mountains (I seem to call them 10 different things) permanently installed, I began ballasting my track inside the tunnels near the portals.  I’m following a method I saw on Model Railroader.  I’ll go into detail in the future with a video of ballasting, but here’s the basic idea:

1. Using slightly diluted white glue, I apply glue to the sides of the roadbed and sprinkle a light coating of ballast on top. Let dry for 24 hours.
2. Sprinkle ballast in the middle of the track, and brush into place between ties. I use my finger tip to get those last bits of ballasts of the tie tops.
3. Soak the middle ballast with a 25/75 mixture of water and 70% alchohol.  Let it soak for about 2 minutes and then repeat with matte medium glue. Let dry for 24 hours/
4. Sprinkle ballast on sides of the track and use a small foam paint brush to form your profile.  Repeat step 3 for gluing in place.

I’m currently at step 2 because I discovered I didn’t have any matte medium on hand and just placed an order. So that process is on hold for a few days, but here’s what it looks like at the halfway point.

If you’re wondering, the ballast I’m using is Woodland Scenics Fine Light Gray, will just a tiny bit of Gray added for a little contrast.

Shaun Scenery